Stage 14 in the Pyrenees

So, the race is really different in the mountains, mainly slower.  I didn't know there was such a thing as the caravan until we saw the Tour live two years ago.  About an hour prior to the leaders passing, you get to see all sorts of motorized marketing pass by.  They also throw trinkets and trash and a good time is had by all.


Credit Lyonnaise
The Yellow Jersey Sponsor leads the caravan



Is that a roller skate?



A Citron 2CV6

You literally see all sorts of things propelled by all sorts of motor vehicles.  And to think that I was afraid that an old VW bus wouldn't make it over the Coronado bridge?  

Horses and Carriage



Rubber Ducky

 

I think I can!  I think I can!



Jeff loves the Vittel Water Girls.  The mist feels great on a hot day, but mostly people just like to see the acrobatics. 



The Polka dot jersey and his sponsor, Carrefour. 

I think he is worried about the placement of his dots?

 



 

That's Big George Hincappi again!  Oh yea, and the guy in yellow too.



Here comes the Peleton followed by all of their cars

 



We hadn't ever been to the Pyrenees before.  To get there, we flew into Barcelona, rented a car and drove North.  The scenery was really nice and different from the Alps.  We saw old castle walls and ruins, olive trees and grape vines that seemed to go forever in the fields.  I think one could make a fine two week vacation traveling through Provence and the French Pyrenees.  Yes, please!



The mountains climbed by The Tour

Can you tell what this is?  If so, tell me!!!

This was our stop in the middle of nowhere for lunch.  We arrived just before 2pm and were lucky to be seated.  The French are very strict with their meal times.  They close the kitchen down.  So, after 2:00 you are lucky to find a baggette.

It is beautiful, no?  I promise, wherever we seem to go in France, it is always amazing.

Stone fortress to keep out those Spaniards, I assume.

Heading back to Spain....